All queries should be channelled through the call centre, Joburg Connect, which can be contacted 24 hours, seven days a week, on 0860 56 28 74 or 011 375 5555For each query, you will get a reference number. Make sure you keep this number so that you can follow up your query. Email: joburgconnect@joburg.org.za

Monthly alien plant info 2017

·Indigenous: a term used to group plants that would naturally occur in a fairly large geographical area. A plant is indigenous to an area, if it would naturally be found there without man’s influence.

·Exotics, are those plants that have been brought in from other places around the world, and very often require a lot of care for them to grow.

·Aliens/invasives are plants that have usually been brought in as exotics, intentionally or unintentionally, but are so well adapted to their surroundings that they are able to spread uncontrollably. They have become naturalised meaning they are able to reproduce and spread without direct assistance of people. Alien invasive plants tend to push out, or out-compete, indigenous plants and consume precious resources at the same time.

vBenefits of planting indigenous plants

·they have specific characteristics that contribute to their success.

·they are adapted to the regions soil, hydrology and climate

·they have evolved specific characteristics that contribute to their success

·they have evolved defences to many diseases and insect pests

·they provide shelter and food for wildlife promoting biodiversity

·they have socio-economic benefits

vWater sucking plants

·Many types of alien plants affect the quantity and quality of our surface water and groundwater, either directly or indirectly ( by causing soil erosion). These plants may be either terrestrial or aquatic

·The terrestrial ones affecting our water supply the most are the poplars (Populus species), the wattles (Acacia species), pines (Pinus species) and the eucalypts (Eucalyptus species)

2. February

vDepartment of Environmental Affairs Alien and Invasive species regulations

·The do’s and don’ts regarding invasive species are controlled by National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) under The Department of Environmental Affairs. The Alien and Invasive Species (AIS) Regulations became law on 1 October 2014. The AIS Regulations group invasive species into 4 different categories whereby invasive species must be managed, controlled or eradicated or are prohibited from being brought into South Africa. These regulations prevent invasive species from causing harm or further harm to

·our fragile environment. Over 500 species of plants, animals, birds fish and reptiles are recorded in the National List of Invasive Species

vCategories of alien invasive plants

Invasive species are divided into 4 categories:

·Category 1 a: invasive species which must be controlled and eradicated. No form of trade or planting is allowed.

·Category 1b: invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed. No form of trade or planting is allowed

·Category 2: invasive species, or those deemed to be potentially invasive, for which a permit is needed to carry out a restricted activity. This category includes commercially important species such as gum, wattle and pine trees.

·Category 3: invasive species which may remain in certain areas or provinces. However, no further planting, propagation or trade is allowed

3. March

vDifference between terrestrial and aquatic plants

·Aquatic plants are plants that have adapted to living in water related environments (saltwater or freshwater). They are also referred to as hydrophytes. These plants require special adaptations for living submerged in water, or at the water's surface. Aquatic plants can only grow in water or in soil that is permanently saturated with water.

·A terrestrial plant, on the other hand, is one that grows on or in or from the land

vAquatic invasive plants commonly found in Joburg

·Red water fern (Azolla filiculoides)

·Water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes)

·Parrot’s feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum)

·Pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata)

·Kariba weed (Salvinia molesta)

·Yellow water lily (Nymphaea mexicana)

Zoo Lake: Even though Zoo Lake is generally busy with joggers, skateboarders, children and amblers, you can still find a number of quiet spots to enjoy a secluded, undisturbed picnic.Read more

Thokoza Park: Incorporating Moroka Dam, this park has reclaimed its pristine status of being a prime attraction of Rockville in Soweto. The park covers 4,5 hectares.

Rhodes Park: This modestly sized park is truly great in creative stature. A marvellous mix of stepping stones and railway sleepers leads you through the park - along the lanes, over the waterfalls, through thickets and past beautiful ponds.Read more

Florida Lake: There are masses of waterfowl on the lake and the adjacent bird sanctuary ensures excellent bird watching.Read more

The Wilds: Meandering footpaths and walkways lead you through this beautiful area with its abundance of indigenous shrubs, plants and trees.Read more

Kloofendal Nature Reserve: Kloofendal is a cultural heritage and ecotourism facility. In the Roodepoort suburb of Kloofendal, the 150 hectare reserve was one of the first nature reserves in Joburg and offers urbanites a retreat from city life.Read more

Rietfontein Nature Reserve is about 24km north of the city in the small suburb of Paulshof. This 25 hectare indigenous green space with its quartzite koppie evokes in all visitors a feeling of being in the country.

Melville Koppies: Follow a footpath through nature leading to a hilltop with panoramic views, see a variety of plants, birds, small mammals and snakes, be exposed to historical sites - all while staying in Joburg.Read more

Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, 11km south of Joburg city centre, is a 680 hectare nature reserve, known as "Stone River Mountain".Read more

Joubert Park is the city’s oldest park, granted by the Volksraad in 1887, and named after the town's first mining commissioner sent to investigate the claims of gold rush fortune seekers.Read more

Unlike Rome, a beautiful community park can be built in a day - and yet last a lifetime. Johannesburg City Parks’ Xtreme Park Makeover project turns dusty, derelict land into a green haven in just 24 hours.Find out more

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Latest news

Come along on an adventure and experience the Johannesburg Zoo family of more than 2000 animals and 380 species in the timeless and beautiful zoological gardens.

Zoo regular operating hours: Mon-Sun: 8:30 – 17:h30

Sign up for the AnnualPass and you will enjoy the following benefits:

Unlimited entry to Johannesburg Zoo for one full year

FREE car parking at Johannesburg Zoo

Prices

Adult

R675

Child

R414

Pensioner

R414

Children ages 3 & under FREE

Entry of your membership includes the Zoo Trot.

Terms of Purchase

Membership to the Johannesburg Zoo is NOT transferable. Only named individuals on the membership card(s) are members of the Zoo and are eligible to enjoy all the benefits of the Zoo membership.

Presentation of photo ID for admission and benefits. To ensure that only current members enjoy the benefits of Zoo membership, we request that Each member, together with their zoo membership card, present their ID for verification of identity.

Use of membership by unauthorized persons will result in forfeiture of the membership.

Animal adoption is fun and you can adopt any animal, no matter how big or small. The Adoption Programme enables individuals, corporations, schools, clubs, families and groups to participate and make a valuable contribution towards the care and enrichment of all the animals living at the Johannesburg Zoo. So the adoption fees not only help us to take care of the animals the money also goes towards the protection of endangered species.

As a non profit organization we are in need of funds for supporting all species and upgrading facilities. In addition your contribution provides the necessary help to advance the zoo’s work with wildlife conservation organizations worldwide.

It is also a rare opportunity to teach children and adults to take care of living creatures and to understand the environment that wild animals belong to.

You can help make a difference. Adopt an Animal is a great gift for friend and family celebrations and for special occasions. Your adoption will last one year from the date of joining and is renewable if you so wish.

Attached is a small selection list of the different animals and creatures you can adopt and enjoy at the Johannesburg Zoo. All animals adopted are symbolic adoptions and remain within the Zoo. Animal choices are subject to change, if for reasons, the animal that you have adopted, needs to be removed from the zoo then your adoption will be transferred to another animal of your choice.

In advance we thank you for your precious contribution and for your ongoing commitment to Johannesburg Zoo.

Please note that booking for hiring of any of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo’s facilities will close on 15 December 2017 and reopen on 2 January 2018 . The last day for new bookings for 2017 will be on 15 December 2017. For more information, please call 011 712 6600.

HospiceWits will host its annual Tree of Light Ceremony on Sunday, 26th November 2017, at the Johannesburg Zoo. The event is free to residents of Joburg and signals the start of the festive season in the City.

The popular family event, now in its 10th year, raises funds for patient treatment, provides a caring platform for families to remember loved ones who have passed, and to also celebrate the people in our lives we appreciate, love and hold dear.

Says Jacqui Kaye, CEO of HospiceWits: “The experience of losing a loved one is emotionally and spiritually challenging. As an organisation providing palliative care to patients and families on the journey of life-threatening illness, we have a deep understanding and appreciation for these emotions. It is for this reason, that we host this special event to give those who have mourned the loss of a loved one, a moment to celebrate their memory.”

Individuals and corporates have the option of purchasing virtual or actual globes. Those purchasing virtual globes can write messages dedicated to their loved ones, which will then be shared on the Tree of Light’s website. The physical globes are placed on the Tree during the event, where extended families bring their blankets and picnic baskets and enjoy a wonderful evening of friendship, Christmas carols and delightful entertainment.

“Last year we lit 2 000 globes on the night – a truly spectacular sight, and this year we hope to increase this number substantially. This will enable us to continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients who are not in a position to pay for our services,” concludes Kaye.

“The City of Joburg will continue to support Hospice in its endeavours to assist the sick and infirm that require palliative care,” stated the MMC for Community Development, Councillor Nonhlanhla Sifumba. “Just as important, is that this platforms reminds us to exercise the necessary caution and to remain safe and healthy, over the upcoming holidays,” she added.

Outpaced only by trophy winner Mintek, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo was lauded with the Highly Commended Award in the Top Performing Public Service category, at the 15th annual National Business Awards on 16 September.

JCPZ’s’s achievement at the renowned “Oscars of South African business” resulted from the unanimous verdict of the awards’ Judges, a collective of industry heavyweights. There to hear the accolade announced were a host of business & government leaders, VIPs and media representatives. Also watching, via live social media updates, were thousands of South Africans whose engagement kept the awards trending for several hours.

Recent achievements include the City of Joburg being named the Greenest City in the 2017 national awards by the Department of Environmental Affairs and achieving its first clean audit for the 2016/17 Financial Year.

Commenting on the accolade, acting Managing Director Bukelwa Njingolo said, “We are extremely proud to be acknowledged with the Highly Commended award, especially given the calibre of the organisations we were up against in the Public Sector category. I would like to thank the judges for recognising our level of commitment to the people and natural resources of Africa’s greatest city. The certificate belongs to all our citizens in Joburg, and provides a motivational boost to keep putting our all into the green heart of Joburg.”

Top Media CEO Ralf Fletcher, who gave the evening’s Welcome Address, commended the achievement of the night’s finalists and winners, saying that “In my 20 years of immersion in the science of business performance recognition, I have seldom seen such a powerhouse collective of innovators, job creators and drivers of the economy all together on the same roster. Tonight has only deepened my belief in the global competitiveness and drive in evidence across our economy’s primary, secondary and tertiary sectors. I can’t wait to see what this year’s National Business Awards champions will do next.”

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), the custodians of the zoo, parks, designated open spaces, nature reserves, street trees and cemeteries, have finalized its proactive seasonal plan in anticipation of the peak summer season to optimally deliver horticultural and conservation services in the City of Joburg(CoJ).

Proactive plans include weekly rostersof both internally-managed and contractor-servicedplans where a total of 52 contractors have been accredited and approved; additionally, JCPZ has put in place a 24-hour emergency team to respond to trees logged complaints during the inclement weather.

Residents are urged to maintain the grass verges adjacent to their homes as a collective effort to support the call to actionof the “A Re Sebetseng” volunteer programme aimed at retaining litter-free and well maintained, public spaces.

Focused weekly detailed horticultural and conservation plans together with the categorisedlist of facilitiescan be found on www.jhbcityparks.com. The organisation is committed to setting high standards of customer care whilst aiming for efficient delivery of core services whiles ensuring the attainment of targets outlined in the business plan and City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Service Delivery Agreement (SDA). Outlined below are the peak season plans for beginning November 2017 till end- March 2018:

Facility Category

Peak Season (October – December’17)

Peak Season (January – March’18)

Flagship Parks

12 cycle

12 cycles

Develop Parks

3 cycle

3 cycle

Undeveloped Parks

1 cycle

1 cycle

Main Arterials

3 cycles

3 cycles

Landscaped Islands & Town Entrances

6 cycles

6 cycles

Maintenance of cemetery (Active)

6 cycles

6 cycles

Maintenance of cemetery (Passive)

3 cycles

3 cycles

Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

12 cycles

12 cycles

The Wilds

12 cycles

12 cycles

Flagship Nature Reserves

12 cycles

12 cycles

Ridges\Koppies

1 cycle

1 cycle

Flagship Bird Sanctuaries

3 cycles

3 cycles

Alien Vegetation

12.5 ha

12.5 ha

Wetlands Rehabilitation

2 wetlands

2 wetlands

Invasive Plants Control

1 area

1 area

Reed Control

1 area

1 area

Cleaning of river trails

60 ha

60 ha

A litter picking programmewill be rolled-out during the December 2017 public holidays focused only on flagship parks during the following dates:

16th - 17th December 2017

23rd – 26th December 2017

31st December 2017

1st January 2018

“Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo’s horticultural and conservation plans are tailored to effectively deliver on our mandate to provide proactive services in a hassle-free, cost effective and well-managed manner to restore pride and dignity in our City,” added the Acting Managing CirectorMs Bukelwa Njingolo.

JCPZ appeals to residents to centralize the registration of requests for services with the Joburg Connect Call Centre on 011 375-5555 by selecting option #0 and securing a reference number.

Working through the Joburg Connect Call Centre provides the residents with the assurance that their requests will be dealt with speedily and within thepre-scribed turnaround times.